Informality: Social Theory and Contemporary Practice

Informality: Social Theory and Contemporary Practice
ISBN-10
1134730284
ISBN-13
9781134730285
Category
Social Science
Pages
280
Language
English
Published
2002-09-11
Publisher
Routledge
Author
Barbara Misztal

Description

For most of the twentieth century, modernity has been characterised by the formalisation of social relations as face to face interactions are replaced by impersonal bureaucracy and finance. As we enter the new millennium, however, it becomes increasingly clear that it is only by stepping outside these formal structures that trust and co-operation can be created and social change achieved. In a brilliant theoretical tour de force, illustrated with sustained case studies of changing societies in the former eastern Europe and of changing forms of interaction within so-called virtual communities, Barbara Misztal, argues that only the society that achieves an appropriate balance between the informality and formality of interaction will find itself in a position to move forward to further democratisation and an improved quality of life.

Other editions

Similar books